California State University , Long Beach is nationally recognized as a leading public comprehensive university. Inside this section you'll find information regarding each department within the University's colleges as well as links to academic roadmaps and university programs such as athletics and student leadership.

Graduation rates for CSULB students have increased dramatically in recent years and the length of time it takes students to complete degrees has decreased. The availability of needed courses and support improved graduation rates. These improvements were key to the naming of CSULB as one of "America's Best Colleges and Universities" by U.S. News and World Report.

Theatre Arts

THEA Courses - Graduate Level

502. Seminar in Theatre Management I (3)

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the MFA Program.
Study of contemporary principles of management processes specifically targeted to people pursuing professional Theatre Arts Management careers. Principles and practices of marketing, development, fund-raising, and publicity are analyzed and assessed through research and study.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

503. Leadership and the Arts (3)

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the MFA Program or senior standing and completion of THEA 476 or consent of instructor.
Study of contemporary principles of leadership and leadership development processes with special concern for application to people working in the arts. Context for leadership in arts organization is assessed and matched against students' personal leadership styles.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

504. Managing the Not-For-Profit Arts Organization (3)

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the MFA Program or senior standing and completion of THEA 476 or consent of instructor.
Study of principles of organizational management as applied to not-for-profit arts organizations. Issues include strategic planning and analysis, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling. Additionally studied are principles and practices of fundraising in not-for-profit environment.
Letter grade only (A-F).

505. Theatre Management Internship (3)

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Required internship with local area theatre to provide management students with access to nationally recognized companies and the opportunity to work with leaders in the field.
Letter grade only (A-F).

507. Entertainment Law (3)

517. Repertory Theatre I (2)

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the MFA Program.
Design, preparation, rehearsals and performances of selected plays in California Repertory Company and University Players.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 4 units (6 hours lab)

518. Repertory Theatre II (2)

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the MFA Program.
Design, preparation, rehearsals and performances of selected plays in California Repertory Company and University Players.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 4 units (6 hours lab)

519. Repertory Theatre III (2)

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the MFA Program.
Design, preparation, rehearsals and performances of selected plays in California Repertory Company and University Players.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 4 units. (6 hours lab)

520A. Voice I (2)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the MFA Program.
Groundwork in Voice and Speech techniques for professional actors.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours lab)

522B. Voice III (2)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into MFA Program.
Exploration of microphone techniques. Coursework covers stand-up, radio drama, dubbing, animation, and practice in development of a demo-tape for professional voice-over work.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours lab)

523. Theory and Practice of Contemporary Theatre (3)

Critical exploration of major schools of thought between 1980-present including styles, genres and both national and international trends. Contributions of theatre practitioners and theorists and role of audience in this period.
Letter grade only (A-F).

526./426. Dramatic Theory and Criticism (3)

Study of the major theories of dramatic literature and performance. Analysis of dramatic works in relationship to theory, cultural context, and critical methodologies.
Letter grade only (A-F).

530A. Acting in Repertory I (2)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the MFA program.
Foundation and development of individual and ensemble acting techniques necessary for repertory actor and company. Applicable and related to performance schedule.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours lab)

531A. Acting in Repertory II (2)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the MFA program.
Development of a variety of acting techniques available to actor for playing situation, character, style and theatricality. Applicable and related to performance schedule.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours lab)

531B. Acting in Repertory II (2)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the MFA program and THEA 531A.
Variable technique modules in further development of repertory acting skills for playing situation, character, style and theatricality. Dependent upon needs of individual actor, ensemble and/or performance schedule.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours lab)

532A. Acting in Repertory III (2)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the MFA program.
Advanced and professional technique training of skill variety in the repertory actor. Applicable and related to performance schedule.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours lab)

532B. Acting in Repertory III (2)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the MFA program and THEA 532A.
Variable advanced technique modules for expansion and enrichment of professional acting skills for the individual and ensemble. Dependent upon needs of individual actor, ensemble and/or performance schedule.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours lab)

540. Non-traditional Material Use in the Theatre (2)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Creative use of non-traditional materials in the design and fabrication of props, accessories and set dressing. Exploration into decorative techniques and processes in fabrication and finishing.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

541. Portfolio Development (3)

Study of content and presentation forms of designer's portfolio, resume and cover letter. Acquaints the designer/technician with interview skills and practical business information.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

546A. Advanced Costume Design I (2)

Development of costume design through character and script analysis, and understanding of line, space, color and texture.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

546B. Advanced Costume Design I (2)

Prerequisite: THEA 546A or consent of instructor.
Exploration of elements of design as demanded by a variety of scripts and styles.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

547./447. Costume Technical Skills (3)

Prerequisite: THEA 101, 146, or consent of instructor.
Analysis of structure of costumes and accessories. Advanced technical projects using materials, patterning and construction methods in costume and accessories. Supervision in practical application of these elements in University sponsored productions.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units in different semesters. (2 hrs. lecture, 2 hrs. lab).

550. Computer Graphics for Theatre (3)

A comprehensive study of tools and techniques incorporated in Adobe PhotoShop and their application to theatre. Techniques in scanning, digital image manipulation and exporting to hard and soft copies are covered.
Letter grade only (A-F). (1 hour lecture, 2 hours lab)

552. Collaborative Studies (3)

Explores aesthetic visions, directorial approaches, dramaturgical practices and performance styles that characterize contour and magic of Theatre. Use of collaborative study and presentation affords a greater expanse of creativity with the integration of methodologies as seen in Professional arenas.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab)

564B. Movement I (2)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the MFA Program.
Analytical and practical exploration of movement principles of weight, space, time, and energy and their application to acting process.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours lab)

580A. Scene Design I (2)

Development of scene design through script analysis and understanding of space, form, line, color, texture and mood. Planning and development of scenic rendering and model.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

580B. Scene Design I (2)

Prerequisite: THEA 580A or consent of instructor.
Exploration of elements of scenic design as demanded by a variety of scripts and styles with specific challenges and complex production format.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

581. Scenographic Techniques (2)

Study of drafting techniques used to translate designer's vision to finished set on stage. Includes both traditional and computer aided design and drafting tools.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

584. Rendering and Painting for Theatre (2)

Introduction to rendering basics and painting stressing links to art of theatre design. Developing ability to depict form and space. Emphasizes development of visual discipline, drawing and rendering techniques used in visual presentation of stage design and scenic painting.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

585A. Scene Design II (2)

Projects in scene design for the multi-set play. Consideration of stylistic unity, current trends and approaches as well as shifting problems. Development of advanced rendering techniques.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

585B. Scene Design II (2)

Prerequisite: THEA 585A or consent of instructor.
Further development of skills in scene design for multi-set play. Development of advanced model making techniques.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

590. Selected Topics - Graduation Design (3)

Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.
Advanced design projects and concepts with faculty supervision.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units in different semesters. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

C. Costumer

D. Scenery

N. Lighting

602. Seminar in Theatre Management II (3)

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the MFA Program.
Study of application of contemporary princip les of management processes specifically targeted to people pursuing professional Theatre Arts Management careers. Applications of principles and practices of marketing, development, fund-raising, and publicity are analyzed and assessed through research and study.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 9 units.

603. Producing Commercial Theatre (3)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the MFA Program.
Examination of all facets of professional theatre production including off-Broadway, Broadway, regional and stock operations.
Letter grade only (A-F).

614. Advanced Period Scene Study (3)

Prerequisite: Acceptance by audition into MFA program.
Acting in Shakespeare and advanced scene study from selected theatrical periods and plays. Analysis and exercises include language, background, and human behavior.
Letter grade only (A-F).

648A. Advanced Lighting Design II (2)

Direct application of cueing and structuring of the total lighting design within the time constraints of rehearsal and production.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

648B. Advanced Lighting Design II (2)

Prerequisites: THEA 648A or consent of instructor.
Development of skills in lighting design process for a variety of scripts and styles with specific challenges and complex production formats.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

649A. Advanced Lighting Design III (2)

Development of skills in lighting for musical, opera, video, and dance.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

649B. Advanced Lighting Design III (2)

Prerequisite: THEA 649A or consent of instructor.
Development of skills in lighting for other production venues.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

656A. Advanced Costume Design III (2)

Development of skills in costume design for musical, opera, and dance.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

656B. Advanced Costume Design III (2)

Prerequisite: THEA 656A or consent of instructor.
Development of skills in costume design for other production venues.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

685A. Scene Design III (2)

Development of skills in scene design for musical, opera, and dance.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

685B. Scene Design III (2)

Prerequisites: THEA 685A or consent of instructor.
Further development of skills in scene design for other production venues.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

686. Theatrical Tailoring (2)

Investigation of tailored garments and understructures in selected historical periods. Projects in traditional and contemporary hand machine tailoring techniques, and in specialized construction for undergarments. Supervision in practical application of these elements in university sponsored productions.
Letter grade only (A-F). (4 hours lab)

690. Selected Topics in Theatre Management (1-3)

Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
Topics of current interest in Theatre Arts selected for intensive study.
Letter grade only. (A-F). May be taken for maximum of 9 units. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.)

694. Selected Topics in Theatre Arts (3)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Advanced individual projects with faculty supervision in an area of Theatre Arts specialization.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 9 units. Limited to 3 units in any one area per semester and no more than 6 units in one semester with a total of 9 units in any one area. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

A. Acting

B. Directing

C. Costumes

D. Scenery

F. Playwriting

J. Theatre History

K. Theatre Criticism

L. Movement

M. Makeup

N. Lighting

O. Voice

P. Stage Management

Q. Theatre Management

696. Aesthetic Theory and Conceptualization (3)

Study of theoretical aesthetics as it applies to creative act. Practical application of research and variable aesthetic elements in production style and conceptualization.
Letter grade only (A-F).

699. MFA Thesis/Project (1-6)

Prerequisite: Advancement to candidacy and consent of department chair.
Planning, preparation and completion of thesis related to field of specialization.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units.